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How to Become a Welder in California

Feb 16, 2023 ·

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Welding can be an awesome career.

A welder’s responsibilities can include shaping strong metals as well as creating building structures, machine parts and much more. Some even use their skills to create sculptures!

What does it take to prepare for this trade?    

We have plenty of advice for those interested in pursuing a welding career, including information on how Universal Technical Institute's Welding Technology program can help graduates prepare for a professional journey.1 At UTI, students can learn four major welding processes and get the hands-on training needed to become a welding technician.

Continue reading to learn more! Below, we’ll recommend a game plan on how to become a welder in California.

Get a High School Diploma or GED

Becoming a welder in California doesn’t have an exact timeline, especially since welders in California are not required to have a high school diploma to work. However, most welding training programs and apprenticeships require high school diplomas or GEDs. This is also the case for Universal Technical Institute’s 36-week welding training program.

Technicians without diplomas may have a hard time qualifying for many trade programs or job openings in the state. Without a high school diploma or GED, people with great welding potential may have difficulty finding opportunities to get hands-on experience.

That’s because these documents show employers that the candidate has enough critical thinking, reasoning and discipline for an organized curriculum. So, if you don’t have either, get one right away to start your journey!

Read more: You Can Go Places With a Career in Welding

Enroll in a Welding Program

Welding programs teach students the fundamentals of welding and provide them with the resources and lab time needed to practice these skills. Doing so can help them get used to the types of tasks found in entry-level welding jobs after graduation.

The Welding Technology program at UTI is designed to take 36 weeks to complete – that’s approximately nine months! Graduates of our California welding programs earn diplomas and learn four types of welding:

  • Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  • Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
  • Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
  • Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)

Read more: How to Become a Certified Welding Inspector

Pursue Employment

Students at UTI complete welding courses that were developed with the help of Lincoln Electric. This ensures that they receive industry-specific training, which can help them prepare for post-graduate welding jobs. 

A welding diploma can also help our graduates pursue welding in California since trade school credentials indicate that you are likely capable of handling the job's mandated responsibilities.

UTI students can also potentially get part-time work while enrolled in welding classes through our Early Employment Program.36 It's important to note that eligibility requirements are established by participating employers and are between the employer and the student.

Read more: How to Create Your Welding Resume: Examples and Tips

Study Up and Learn How to Become a Welder in California!

Technical training can be valuable for anyone wanting to learn how to become a welder in California! If you’re set on pursuing a welding career in this state, come back here for a refresher on the process.

Universal Technical Institute’s 36-week Welding Technology program teaches students the fundamentals of the trade and can help them prepare for a welding career in California. UTI also has relationships with a number of manufacturers! These relationships mean students have access to equipment that mirrors the industry, which can help them prepare for exciting career opportunities after graduation.

Excited to start learning at one of our Universal Technical Institute California campuses? Once you find a location near you, apply to our welding school!

UTI Campuses That Offer Welding Training

Interested in attending welding school elsewhere? UTI offers welding training at campuses nationwide. Find one near you.  

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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.

2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.

18) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.

36) Students enrolled in select UTI programs are eligible to apply for the Early Employment Program. Participating employers will contact selected applicants to conduct interviews. Hiring, employee retention and compensation decisions are made solely by the prospective employer. Employer participation and program details are subject to change. For additional information, please contact Career Services. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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